Leading your children

Being a parent can probably the most fulfilling part of a person’s life. More than your work, other friendships and relationships, being “Daddy” or “Mummy” to my your children can be everything to you.

As a parent, you are called to lead your children. But how do you do that? You must show them the way, through your actions. You must lead by example. You must exemplify the behaviour you want them to emulate. You can “tell” them, sure, but it’s only when you live it that those watching will be much more likely to latch on to the direction that you want them to go.

This poem is a powerful reminder of how we are called to lead.

I’d rather see a sermon

I’d rather see a sermon, than hear one any day;
I’d rather someone walk with me, than merely tell the way.

The eye is a better pupil, more willing than the ear;
Fine counsel is confusing, but an example is always clear.

And the best of all the fathers, are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action, is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn how to do it, if you will let me see it done;
I can watch your hand in action, but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I’d rather get my lesson by observing what you do.

For I may misunderstand you, and the high advice you give,
But there is no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

As you go about your life, I encourage you to be the example that those under you so desperately need you to be. They are counting on you.